The fire occurred Jan. 18, 2014, in the 6200 block of Highway 22. The property is owned by the former girlfriend’s mother.

In an interview with a Division of Criminal Investigation and an Oconto County investigator on Aug. 3, 2016, Messenger said he was intoxicated and knew his ex-girlfriend had left for the weekend with another man, and that he was concerned about how his ex-girlfriend was caring for pets at the residence, one of which was his when they were together.

Messenger said his intent was to let the dogs out of their kennel in the garage so they could run. After playing with the dogs, he noticed the nearby steel shed was unlocked. He said he lit a piece of exposed foam on the seat of a snowmobile, then walked away.

Another snowmobile and child’s ATV were in the shed. All three machines were destroyed, along with the shed and the garage that was next to it.

Messenger was charged with arson of a building, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years. As part of a plea agreement, Messenger pleaded no contest to three counts of arson of property other than building, punishable up to 3 1/2 years in prison.

District Attorney Edward Burke requested nine months of jail as a condition of up to three years probation.

“Apparently, Mr. Messenger was angry about something and decided for whatever reason, after consuming by his own admission about a half a 30-pack of beer, to start what he thought was going to be a small fire …” Burke said. “Complicating that (the property owner) understands her daughter and Mr. Messenger have child together, and she wants him involved in this child’s life, but on the other hand, she obviously does not agree with what he did was right. She would like made right, and doesn’t want him removed from child’s life.”

Defense attorney Christopher Froelich said Messenger thought the fire went out before he left.

“Overall, he is a good person, but he did a really bad thing,” he said. “He did a really stupid thing.”

Messenger had no intention of damaging the housing and was very remorseful, Froelich added, requesting six months in jail and two to four years of probation.

“He feels terrible about this,” he said. “A lot of times, people do dumb things when their angry or drinking.”

Messenger said he was very sorry and knows he caused a lot of pain and grief.

“I know alcohol is a major problem for me,” he said. “Between alcohol and anger, I made a poor decision that day … and I am deeply, deeply sorry and just want to make this right … and do whatever it takes, cleaning up the mess … building the garage, paying back every dime I need to pay her. I just want to make it right.”

Judge said the flick of a lighter can carry significant consequences.

“You’ve created a burden on yourself and family. As your attorney said, and rightfully so, this was terribly stupid of you,” Judge said. “It appears you weren’t thinking.”

However, Judge noted that Messenger has a good work history and is apparently attempting to be a contributing part of the community.

"I want to keep you working and I want (the victim) to be reimbursed for her loss,” he said.

Messenger was granted work release and good time, credited with one day served, and ordered to pay $894 court costs, $750 in DNA surcharges and $51 in service fees. On probation, he is to maintain absolute sobriety and full-time employment and complete any treatment and follow-up determined by DOC.

Burke said he didn’t know why there was a delay in the case, which was referred to him by law enforcement on April 19, 2017. He filed the charges on May 1.